In response to rising Jew-hatred, Memphis Jewish Federation has provided these resources to empower you with knowledge, take meaningful action against hate, and shine your light on antisemitism. 

NEW GRANT OPPORTUNITY!

ANTISEMITISM MICROGRANT 2023

Antisemitism

Antisemitism is a form of prejudice that is directed towards Jews as individuals and as a group. Based on age-old stereotypes and myths that target Jews as a people, their religious, cultural, nationalistic practices and beliefs, antisemitism manifests itself through rhetoric, symbols & images, attacks on property and institutions and violent assaults.

 

In recent years, antisemitism in the United States has risen dramatically and has become more mainstream. Celebrity antisemitism has brought anti-Jewish conspiracies to mass audiences. According to a recent report, 85% of Americans believe at least one anti-Jewish trope and 20% believe six or more tropes, representing significantly higher numbers than previous years. (Anti-Defamation League, January 2023)


Antisemitism online is particularly toxic. According to a recent study, 85% of young American Jews ages 18-29 were the target of antisemitism online or have seen it online at least once in the past 12 months. (American Jewish Committee, February 2023)

Anti-Jewish bias, hate and violence are symptoms of an ill society for which all Americans should be worried. In a society rife with antisemitism, racism and other forms of hate are not far behind.

Microgrant Opportunity 
In order to raise awareness about antisemitism and the dangers it poses to civil society, Memphis Jewish Federation is offering program-based, reimbursement microgrants in the amount of $500-$2500 to non-profit organizations in greater Memphis* for initiatives and programming to take place from July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024 that accomplish one or more of the following goals: 
  • Raise awareness about the history and/or current state of antisemitism;
  • Provide education, and/or training in best practices/effective methods of response; 
  • Take action through advocacy efforts;  
  • Educate the broader Memphis community about Jews, Judaism, and Israel in order to dispel antisemitic myths and tropes.


*Must have 501c3 status or a non-profit fiscal sponsor 

Memphis Jewish Students Standing Up Against Antisemitism

We are proud of high school student Lea Thomas who penned this article for the St. Mary’s student newspaper, the Tatler.

 

A senior at St. Mary’s, Lea is the daughter of Sarah and Naftali Thomas.

 

"It is no secret that antisemitism is on the rise. According to a report by the Anti-Defamation League, in 2021, there were an average of seven antisemitic incidents per day, 34% higher than in the previous year. Seventy-seven years after the Holocaust, we are still seeing antisemitism increase at a dangerous rate.

 

"These statistics may seem like just numbers, but 2,717 reported incidents and an increase of 167% in assaults in one year is not normal. We are four years after the deadliest assault on Jewish people in the United States, the Tree of Life shooting. But for some reason, 11 people being murdered was not enough for the world to put a stop to antisemitism."

Watch our Shine A Light on Antisemitism Videos documenting the experiences of Memphians.

Dr. Gordon Gruen

Memphis Jewish Federation Shines A Light on Antisemitism

Dorothy Goldwin

Memphis Jewish Federation Shines A Light on Antisemitism

Rayna Exelbierd

Memphis Jewish Federation Shines A Light on Antisemitism

TM Garret

Memphis Jewish Federation Shines A Light on Antisemitism

Isaac Cowens

Memphis Jewish Federation Shines A Light on Antisemitism

Emma Mansberg

Memphis Jewish Federation Shines A Light on Antisemitism

Torah Desecration

Memphis Jewish Federation Shines A Light on Antisemitism

UT Knoxville

Memphis Jewish Federation Shines A Light on Antisemitism